Football | 10/20/2012 6:19:00 PM

Box Score

BURNABY, B.C.  – The Western Oregon football team overcame six turnovers and an injury to starting quarterback Cody VonAppen to defeat Simon Fraser, 20-17, in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference contest on Saturday. The win was the fifth in a row for the Wolves as WOU improved to 5-3 overall, 5-2 in conference play, as Simon Fraser fell to 3-5 overall, 2-5 in league play.

After grabbing an early lead, WOU found itself trailing 10-7 at the half and 17-10 late in the third quarter. WOU running back Joe Harris would draw the Wolves even; however, as he scored on a 25-yard scamper to tie the score at 17-17.

On the ensuing kickoff, SFU fumbled on the return and the Wolves Shane Kuenzi hopped on the loose ball to give WOU possession deep in Clan territory. The Wolves were unable to convert the turnover into six points; but, Kelly Morgan would connect on a 35-yard field goal to give WOU a 20-17 lead with 14:55 remaining.

SFU would attempt to mount a rally as the Clan drove down to the WOU one-yard line with 6:30 left. On fourth-down, Gustave Benthin broke through the line and blocked the 18-yard SFU field goal attempt, preserving the Wolves slim, three-point lead.

From there, WOU would manage to run out the clock as the Wolves picked up their second close victory over the Clan this season.

WOU opened the scoring for the contest early in the first quarter as Harris converted on a two-yard run to cap a five-play, 13-yard drive following a Bryce Peila interception return.

The Wolves looked to extend the lead late in the first when VonAppen scampered for 30-yards to midfield for a WOU first down. The senior signal-caller was injured on the play; however, as the Clan managed to score the next 10 points in the contest to take the lead.

VonAppen was unable to return to the contest; but, back-up Trey Shimabukuro came into the contest and managed to overcome the small deficit and lead the Wolves to a season sweep of the Clan.

For the game, Shimabukuro was 14-of-26 for 152 yards as Simon Fraser managed to out-game the Wolves for the game, 400-304.

Kenneth Haynes led the Wolves with 87 yards rushing as Harris scored WOU's two touchdowns.

Wheeler led Simon Fraser as the quarterback went 27-of-50 for 283 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

WOU's Patrick Tepea led all players with eight solo tackles.

WOU will look to make it six straight victories as the Wolves return to action on Saturday, Oct. 27, when the Wolves host Azusa Pacific at 1:00 p.m.